ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Nominations for Padma Awards-2023 open till 15th September, 2022
Online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards 2023 to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2023 have opened on 1st May 2022. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September, 2022. The nominations/recommendations for Padma Awards will be received online only on the National Awards portal https://awards.gov.in.
The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The award seeks to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as, Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards.
The Government is committed to transform Padma Awards into “People’s Padma”. All citizens are, therefore, requested to make nominations/recommendations, including self nomination. Concerted efforts may be made to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognized from amongst women, weaker sections of society, SCs & STs, divyang persons and who are doing selfless service to society.
The nominations/recommendations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the above said Portal, including a citation in narrative form , clearly bringing out the distinguished and exceptional achievements/service of the person recommended in her/his respective field/discipline.
Further details in this regard are available under the heading 'Awards and Medals' on the website of Ministry of Home Affairs  and on Padma Awards Portal . The statutes and rules relating to these awards are available on the website with the link https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx .
NW/RK/AY/RR
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Ministry of Corporate Affairs
MCA notifies issue & transfer of all shares in dematerialised form only by all unlisted Public companies
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs  has notified that with effect from 2nd October, 2018, issue of further shares and transfer of all shares by unlisted public companies shall be in dematerialised form only. The MCA has taken this step as a measure for further enhancing transparency, investor protection and governance in the corporate sector. The rules in this regard have been amended accordingly.
According to the MCA, the major benefits of dematerialisation of securities which will now be available to unlisted Public companies include:-
- Elimination of risks associated with physical certificates such as loss, theft, mutilation, fraud etc.
- Improving the corporate governance system by increasing transparency and preventing mal-practices such as benami shareholding, back dated issuance of shares, etc.
- Exemption from payment of stamp duty on transfer.
- Ease in transfer, pledge etc. of securities.
Unlisted Public Companies are expected to facilitate the dematerialisation of their securities in coordination with Depositories and Share Transfer Agents. Any grievances arising out of such Dematerialization of securities will be handled by the IEPF Authority. The measure is expected to significantly enhance the Corporate Governance standards in the country.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 192.67 Cr
Over 3.31 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 14,971
2,124 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.75%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 0.49%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 192.67 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 2,43,14,249 sessions.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 3.31 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,04,06,654
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,00,36,059
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
51,51,154
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,84,18,515
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,75,77,270
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Precaution Dose
|
|
85,03,289
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Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3,31,70,120
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,48,11,899
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|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,92,64,516
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
4,50,93,948
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Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
55,69,46,139
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
48,81,31,932
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Precaution Dose
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6,58,407
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Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
20,32,12,162
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
19,04,18,963
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Precaution Dose
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|
12,41,800
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Over 60 years
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|
1st Dose
|
|
12,70,64,300
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
11,87,36,676
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Precaution Dose
|
|
1,79,00,966
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
3,34,55,616
|
|
Total
|
|
1,92,67,44,769
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 14,971. Active cases now constitute 0.03% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.75%. 1,977 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,26,02,714.
2,124 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 4,58,924 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 84.79 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 0.49% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 0.46%.
Ministry of Culture
3 MoUs signed and 6 at an advanced stage under ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme: Culture Ministry
In response to certain reports appearing recently in the media regarding ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Memorandum of Understanding  pertaining to Red Fort being ‘put on hold’, the Ministry of Culture has clarified that ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme of the Government of India is making good progress. The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India. Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Raghvendra Singh today said that under ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme, three MoUs have already been signed and six are at an advanced stage and 31 more Adarsh Monuments are enlisted for coverage under the scheme. The Project aims to develop synergy among all partners to effectively promote “responsible tourism”, he added.
The schemes aims to involve public sector companies, private sector companies and corporate citizens/individuals to take up the responsibility for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable through development, operation and maintenance of world-class tourist infrastructure and amenities at ASI/ State heritage sites and other important tourist sites in India.
The Government has carried out Critical Gap Analysis in respect of the heritage monuments of importance and identified public conveniences and civic amenities which can be provided in these monuments with the involvement of corporate sector, PSUs etc. under the CSR activities to enhance visitor experience.
The project primarily focuses on providing basic amenities that includes cleanliness, public conveniences, drinking water, ease of access for differently abled and senior citizens, standardized signage, illumination and advanced amenities such as surveillance system, night viewing facilities, tourism facilitation center and an enhanced tourism experience that will result in more tourist footfalls, both domestic and foreign.
The response to the project has been very encouraging as the agencies who have come forward for adoption includes not only public and private industry/individuals but also schools and law firms.
Ministry of Culture
UNESCO inscribes ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
In an important announcement, the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has inscribed ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session being held at Paris, France from 13th to 18th December 2021. The Committee commended Durga Puja for its initiatives to involve marginalized groups, and individuals as well as women in their participation in safeguarding the element.
The Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DONER, in a tweet said that this is a recognition of the confluence of our rich heritage, culture, rituals and practices and a celebration of the feminine divinity and the spirit of womanhood.
Durga Puja not only is a celebration of the feminine divinity but is a consummate expression of dance, music, crafts, rituals, practices culinary and cultural aspects. The festival transcends the boundaries of caste, creed and economic classes and joins the people together in its celebration.
With the inscription of Durga Puja in Kolkata, India now has 14 intangible cultural heritage elements on the prestigious UNESCO Representative List of ICH of Humanity. In recent years, the ICH elements that saw inscriptions areKumbh Mela , Yoga  among others. India is a signatory of the 2003 UNESCO Convention which aims for the Safeguarding of the Intangible of theIntangible Heritage along with traditions and living expression. Intangible cultural heritage means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artifacts and cultural spaces associated with them that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as a part of their cultural heritage. Furthermore, its importance is not in the cultural manifestation itself, but in the wealth of knowledge, know-how and skills that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
Ministry of Communications
Regional Level Dak Adalat in Panaji-Goa
Panaji, May 28, 2021
The Postmaster General, Goa Region, will be holding the 48th Regional Level Dak Adalat on 21.06.2021 at 12:00 Hrs in the Office of the Postmaster General, Goa Region, Panaji 403001.
Complaints/Grievances regarding Postal Services pertaining to the Goa Region, which have not been settled within 6 weeks will be entertained in the Dak Adalat. The complaints relating to Mails, Speed Post, Counter Services, Savings Banks and non payment of money orders will be considered. Complaint raised should contain details like the dates, names and designations of the officers to whom original complaint was addressed etc. Interested customers may send their complaint regarding postal services in duplicate to Shri Ramesh Prabhu, Secretary, Dak Adalat & Asstt Director Postal Services, O/o Postmaster General, Goa Region, Panaji 403001. Last date for receipt of complaint is 11.06.2021
Postal Services form an integral part of the socio economic life of the country, touching the lives of virtually every citizen. While the Department of Posts strives its best to render the service to the fullest satisfaction of its customers, communication gaps and service faults do occasionally happen, giving rise to grievances and complaints. In order to redress such grievances/complaints in an effective manner, the Department periodically organizes Adalats where the functionaries of the Department meet the aggrieved customers, gather details about their complaints and try to settle them at the earliest.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore flags off an all-women expedition to Mt. Manirang
The Minister of State  for Youth Affairs and Sports & Information and Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore today flagged off an all-women expedition to Mt. Manirang  in Himachal Pradesh. The expedition commemorates the silver jubilee of 1993 Women Everest expedition.
Col.Rajyavardhan Rathore commended the effort of India Mountaineering Foundation to send the all women expedition team to Mt. Manirang to commemorate the silver jubilee of the 1993 expedition. He said that it sends a wonderful message to the society, that if given an opportunity, the girls can also rise to the challenges and make a mark for themselves. The Minister said that it also indicates that the children should be given an opportunity to decide as what they want to do in the future. Col. Rathore said that Prime Minister has been saying that those who play will flourish. He said the expedition to Mount Manirang includes the girls from some states which have no snow or mountains and it shows the grit and determination of the girls to opt for such a challenge.He emphasised on the need for more funds and exposurefor adventure sports in the country.
The 19-member expedition team to Mt. Manirang is being led by Ms Bimla Negi, a veteran mountaineer who was a member of the 1993 team. The team also includes nine members of the 1993 team in addition to young women mountaineers, who hail from different states of the country like Uttrakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh. The expedition is expected to make the summit attempt around 24th August, 2018.
The Indo-Nepalese women’s Everest expedition in 1993 was the first all women expedition, launched by Indian Mountaineering foundation,funded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The 21-member team was led by Ms. Bachendri Pal. The historic expedition set up several world records at the time which included the largest number of persons  of a single expedition to climb Mount Everest, largest number of women  from a single country to climb Mount Everest. Ms. Santosh Yadav, member of the team, became the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest, while Miss Dicky Dolma became the youngest women  years in the world to climb the highest peak in the world.YKB/TFK
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President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES 165TH CONVOCATION OF UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS
AS A SOCIETY WE HAVE TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES HOLISTIC GROWTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR STUDENTS: PRESIDENT MURMU
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 165th convocation of University of Madras in Chennai today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that founded in the year 1857, the University of Madras has the distinction of being one of the oldest modern universities in India. This university has played a critical role in dissemination of knowledge. Throughout its journey of over 165 years, University of Madras has adhered to high standards of academics, providing an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. It has been a cradle of learning, producing countless scholars, leaders, and visionaries. It has also served as a lighthouse, playing a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of many reputed universities in the southern region of India.
Referring to the rich history and glorious legacy of the University of Madras, the President said that the alumni of this institution can play a significant role in its growth as a global centre of excellence. They can mentor the young students. She added that the University should also reach out to the alumni to seek their cooperation for the betterment of the institution.
The President noted that the University of Madras has promoted a culture of research and academic rigor. She urged the University of Madras to invest more in cutting-edge research, encourage inter-disciplinary studies, and promote international collaborations. The University of Madras should be at the forefront of finding learning-based solutions to the problems being faced by the nation and the world at large.
The President said that in today's highly competitive environment, the pressure to excel in academics, the fear of not getting into good institutions, the anxiety of not landing a prestigious job, and the weight of expectations from the parents and the society are causing acute mental stress amongst our youth. It is important that we come together as a society to address this issue and create an environment that promotes holistic growth and well-being of our students. She urged students to never let any anxiety over-whelm them. She advised them to have faith in their abilities and keep moving forward.
The President said that educational institutions should create an atmosphere that promotes two-way communication, where students feel comfortable discussing their fears, anxieties, and struggles without being afraid of judgment. We must strive to work collectively to create such an atmosphere where our youth feels loved, valued and empowered to face the challenges with confidence and courage.
Please click here to see the President's Speech -
Special Service and Features
Special Guests from Various Walks Of Life Invited to Attend Independence Day Celebrations in New Delhi
Sarpanches of Vibrant Villages, Teachers, Nurses, Farmers, Fishermen and Beneficiaries of Various Flagship Programmes among Invitees
Sri Pushpangadhan Madhavan, an Artisan from Kerala among Special Invitees; Calls It an Honour and a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
Idukki: Aug 11, 2023
Shri Pushpangadhan Madhavan is a Carpenter from Bison valley village of Idukki District in the state of Kerala. A beneficiary of the PM Vikas Scheme, he is among the around 60 artisans who have been invited as Special Guests to witness the Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort, Delhi on August 15, 2023. Around 1,700 persons have been invited to listen to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address to the nation from ramparts of the iconic monument. The initiative to invite the people from all walks of life, across India, and be a part of the celebrations has been taken by the Government in line with its vision of ‘Jan Bhagidari’.
Speaking to us, Shri Pushpangadhan appreciated the initiative saying that though he has been doing carpentry works for the last 35 years, this is the first time that he has received such a big recognition in his life. “A great thing has happened, that is not even dreamt of. I am very much grateful to the Central government and Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modiji for choosing me and accepting my profession”, he said.
PM VIKAS aims to improve livelihoods of the minorities, particularly the artisan communities, using the components of skill development, education, women leadership & entrepreneurship. These components complement each other in the ultimate objective of the scheme to increase the incomes of the beneficiaries and provide support by facilitating credit and market linkages.
Ministry of Defence
24th India-USA Executive Steering Group  Meeting
The 24th edition of the India-USA Executive Steering Group  meeting was held at New Delhi from 22 to 24 Feb 2021. The meeting was attended by a 12 member delegation from the US Army in person and virtually by 40 officers from different locations from the USA.
Major General Daniel McDaniel, Deputy Commanding General, US Army Pacific  was the Head of delegation from the US side. Indian Army delegation comprised of 37 officers.
The forum is an Army to Army engagement that meets every year alternately in India and USA to discuss Army to Army cooperation.
A number of contemporary issues of mutual interests where discussed with an aim to enhance the engagements in diverse fields. For the first time the meeting was held both in person and through virtual mode owing to restrictions of COVID-19.
Relevant issues of defence cooperation and common subjects of Interest where discussed between both sides during the meet.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Extension of tenure of the Commission constituted under Article 340 of the constitution to examine the issue of sub-categorization within Other Backward Classes in the Central List
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the extension of the term of the Commission to examine the issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes, by 6 months i.e. upto 31.1.2021.
Impact including employment generation potential:
The Communities in the existing list of OBCs which have not been able to get any major benefit of the scheme of reservation for OBCs for appointment in Central Government posts and for admission in Central Government Educational Institutions are expected to be benefitted upon implementation of the recommendations of the Commission. The Commission is likely to make recommendations for benefit of such marginalized communities in the Central List of OBCs.
Expenditure:
The expenditure involved are related to the establishment and administration costs of the Commission, which would continue to be borne by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Benefits:
All persons belonging to the castes/communities which are included in the Central List of SEBCs but which have not been able to get any major benefit of the existing scheme of reservation for OBCs in Central Government posts & for admission in Central Government Educational Institutions would be benefitted.
Implementation schedule:
Orders for extension of the term of the Commission and addition in its Terms of Reference will be notified in the Gazette in the form of an Order made by the President, after receipt of the approval of the Hon'ble President to the same.
Background:
The Commission was constituted under article 340 of the Constitution with the approval of President on 2nd October, 2017. The Commission, headed by Justice  Smt. G. Rohini commenced functioning on 11th October, 2017 and has since interacted with all the States/UTs which have subcategorized OBCs, and the State Backward Classes Commissions. The Commission has come to the view that it would require some more time to submit its report since the repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription etc. appearing in the existing Central List of OBCs need to be cleared. Hence the Commission had sought extension of its term, up to 31st July 2020. However, due to the nationwide lockdown and restrictions on travel imposed on account of COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission was not able to go perform the task assigned to it. Therefore, the term of the Commission is being extended for a period of 6 more months i.e. up to 31.1.2021.